COMMENTSThis issue begins reprinting the fourth Archie Goodwin strip and the thirteenth overall. It is commonly called "Darth Vader Strikes" and ran between Apr 20, 1981 to Jul 26, 1981.

Editor Anina Bennett revealed in the Stellar Scribes letter column for issue #2 that the cover colorist for the series is Gregory Wright. However, in Star Wars: Panel to Panel, group editor Randy Stradley identifies Steve Buccellato as the colorist, with Alan Nunis [sic] as the inker. Nunis did initial the work, even though he is uncredited.

SYNOPSISThe hologram of an Imperial Officer offers the Rebels a chance to destroy Darth Vader's newest secret project. He has arranged for a position in the droid maintenance section to be available to a brave rebel. Leia is skeptical, but in true fashion, Luke volunteers. The princess tells Luke that he doesn't need to hop from one dangerous mission to another. He acts a little jealous of her adoration of Han, but doesn't admit that to her. Han asks if Luke is leaving without saying goodbye. The youth snaps back at Han that he'd think he would appreciate it as it gives him a clear field.

Luke and the droids approach the Fondor shipyards, managing to get through the Imperial picket line. It seems the mysterious Imperials story checks out, at least so far. It is then that Luke see the newest project -- a Super Star Destroyer. Elsewhere at the shipyards, Vader and Admiral Griff meet to discuss their deception on the remaining Admirals. Vader, sensing that many of the Admirals wish his plan to fail, has allowed them to bring a Rebel spy in to infiltrate the project. He can then crush them when they try to make contact.

Luke and the droids enter the facility and are accosted by a stormtrooper. Admiral Griff sees this and chastises the trooper for being too rigid. Luke cannot believe the fact that an Imperial Admiral just saved him from a stormtrooper, while Griff is pleased with his chance to establish his credibility.

Luke meets the very striking and very forward Tanith Shire, who is supposed to give him a ride to the work site on her supply tug. She proceeds to ask Luke a great number of personal questions, which embarrass him slightly. Later at his worksite he realizes how flattering all the attention was.

Below, on the planet Fondor, Griff meets with the rest of the Admirals and convinces them the time to act is soon, when Vader will be away. They are hesitant, but he manages to have them suggest turning the rebel spy into a saboteur.

During the next work cycle, Luke is pulled aside to help Griff with a droid. This ruse, is just to get him aboard Griff's private launch, where the Admiral calls in some of the favors, that Luke has been afforded. Griff convinces Luke that he can provide the necessary explosives and weapons to scuttle the project. Luke feels he has no choice but to agree.

Tanith chides Luke for missing his ride back from the shipyard, but Luke gives her the brush off. Darth Vader, meanwhile, has managed to slip away from the ship he was supposed to be on. Luke and the droids enter a series of steam tunnels under the planet for his meeting with the Admirals. Unbeknownst to them, Griff and Vader are planning their double-cross as well.